Lila, redux

As you grow in your photography career, you'll start to figure things out with your craft, gear, etc. However, if you've chosen to shoot models, as I did, you'll find some models you prefer to work with and a style you prefer to shoot, especially with respect to lighting artificial or existing light. When photographing people, light is especially crucial.

First, my current muse is Lila; Lila is my constant go-to model. I love working with this young lady. Because we have an established rapport, we work well together, like that coworker you just get along with.

Next, we work out an idea, but if your ideas are starting to wear thin, I suggest checking out Pinterest; they have some awesome ideas for photo shoots. You don't necessarily have to use those, but hopefully, they will motivate your creativity!

After that, I figure out my lighting. Do I use existing light or bring along artificial light. For this shoot, I brought out my Profoto A2 flash and used it as a fill light; the light helps punch up the colors more.

I mainly use my A2 as a fill light. I have a Profoto B10 if I need more power as it puts out 250ws as opposed to the A2, which puts out 100ws; an even more powerful alternative is the Profoto B10x Plus, which is the updated version of the Profoto B10 Plus.

Shooting with existing light on the island during golden hour is always amazing, but you have some challenges. You have a limited time, and if you're a run-and-gun shooter, you have a tiny window with which to create! The best place to shoot is in open shade and/or shoot during golden hour.

Because Lila and I always want to just try to create, we do most of our shooting in exiting light and have generally had a good success rate. But my A2 is always in my bag as an alternative if needed; it's perfectly sized, no bigger than a soda can, and doesn't take up much room in my camera bag!